You’ve probably heard the phrase before maybe whispered in a sermon, tucked into a greeting card, or spoken softly by someone trying to comfort you.
“Take heart.”
Two little words. But they carry the weight of entire lifetimes, of fear, of hope, of faith.
So what does “take heart” mean in the Bible really?
Because if you’re anything like me, you don’t just want a dictionary definition. You want to know what it feels like when God says it. What it meant to David in a cave. What it meant to Jesus at the table. What it means for you, sitting in the middle of your mess, with a coffee going cold and prayers that feel unanswered.
“Take Heart” Isn’t Just Encouragement It’s an Invitation
The Bible isn’t shy about the fact that life is hard.
There’s war, betrayal, famine, heartbreak, death… it’s all there. The Bible is brutally honest about suffering. But again and again, tucked between the chaos, are these gentle, stubborn words:
“Take heart.”
It’s not a command to feel better. It’s not a pep talk. It’s an invitation.
To what?
To keep believing.
To stay grounded.
To breathe deeper when everything inside screams panic.
To remember who’s holding your heart especially when it’s breaking.
What Does the Bible Mean to “Take Heart”?
Now find it down the old-school way first. The phrase “take heart” comes from the Greek “tharseó” (θαρσέω), which means “to be of good courage”, “to be confident”, or “to be unafraid.”
It shows up in moments when someone is about to lose it. When they’re scared. Or grieving. Or facing the unknown.
So when Jesus says, “Take heart,” He isn’t saying, “Cheer up.” He’s saying, “Courage, child I’ve got this.”
And that changes everything.
Psalm 27:14 – “Take Heart” in the Face of Waiting
Now if there’s ever been a raw, aching passage about holding on when you’re tempted to let go, it’s this one:
“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14 (ESV)
You ever waited on God for something and felt like maybe He forgot about you?
Yeah. David too.
David wrote this psalm while being hunted. Literally running for his life. And yet he says, “Take heart.” Not because things look good. But because he knows God is still good even when the timeline isn’t.
Here’s the thing: taking heart doesn’t mean you don’t cry. It just means you choose not to quit.
What Does “Take Heart” Mean in John 16:33?
This one hits hard. Like, sit-down-and-breathe kind of heavy:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)
Jesus says this right before He’s arrested. He’s talking to His disciples guys who are about to watch Him bleed. They’re scared. Confused. And about to lose their leader and friend.
But Jesus doesn’t say, “Hey, things are going to be fine.”
He says: “You’re going to suffer. But take heart anyway.”
Because He already beat the darkness.
Not just someday. Now.
“Take a Heart” vs “Take Heart” Why It Matters
Let’s clear up something real quick.
“To take a heart” isn’t a phrase found in Scripture the same way “take heart” is. If you see that wording, it’s probably poetic or metaphorical like taking someone’s love or passion. But “take heart” in the Bible? That’s a battle cry.
It’s God saying:
“Yes, this world is breaking but I broke death’s power first.”
So no, it’s not just about emotions. It’s about endurance.
What Does It Mean to “Take Your Heart”?
This one’s more personal.
Sometimes we read verses and forget that the heart isn’t just a symbol for feelings. In the Bible, your heart is your whole inner world your thoughts, your motives, your trust.
To “take your heart” (in biblical terms) can imply taking control over what you allow to guide you.
Like Proverbs 4:23 says:
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
So maybe to “take your heart” is to own your faith, instead of outsourcing it to your pastor, your parents, or your Pinterest board.
Real Talk: When “Take Heart” Feels Impossible
Let’s not sugarcoat it there are days when “take heart” feels laughable.
When you’re staring at a grave. Or a pink slip. Or a negative test.
When you’re burned out from praying and nothing seems to move.
You might think:
“God, how can I take heart when my heart feels like it’s in pieces?”
Friend, listen.
Taking heart is not the absence of pain. It’s defiance in the face of it.
It’s choosing to say, “Even if… I still trust.”
Even if the miracle doesn’t come.
Even if the diagnosis doesn’t change.
Even if the marriage doesn’t mend.
Take heart.
Because He has overcome.
Bible Moments Where Someone Took Heart and It Changed Everything
Let’s look at some real people who took heart, even when they were falling apart:
1. The Bleeding Woman (Mark 5:34)
Jesus says, “Daughter, take heart; your faith has healed you.”
She didn’t take heart because she was already healed. She believed, and that made the difference.
2. Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:49)
The crowd told him, “Take heart! He is calling you.”
Sometimes just knowing Jesus sees you is enough to take the next step.
3. Paul in Prison (Acts 23:11)
In a dark jail cell, Jesus stood by Paul and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified… so must you bear witness also in Rome.”
Basically: “You’re not done yet.”
So… How it Actually “Take Heart” Today?
Not in theory. Not in Greek. But in your actual Monday morning with bills and deadlines and messy faith.
You read Psalm 27:14 before checking your email.
You breathe and say Jesus’ words from John 16:33 out loud in traffic.
You cry yes, cry and then thank God anyway.
You keep walking forward, even if your knees shake.
And that, my friend, is what it means to take heart.
It’s Not Just a Bible Phrase It’s Your Lifeline
I used to think “take heart” was for strong Christians.
The ones who never miss devotions. Who say “God is good” without flinching.
But it turns out it’s actually for the weak ones. The tired ones. The ones still waiting, still fighting, still hoping.
So if that’s you today?
Take heart.
Because the God who said it to David, to Paul, to a bleeding woman and a blind man He’s still speaking.
And He’s talking to you.
If You Scrolled Down Here Wondering What You Missed
“Take heart” in the Bible means be courageous, stay grounded, trust God in pain.
Jesus said it before dying meaning it’s not just words; it’s a promise.
Psalm 27:14, John 16:33, Mark 5:34, Acts 23:11 all moments of raw fear met with holy courage.
It doesn’t mean “feel happy.” It means hold on.
Whether you’re in joy or grief, the call is the same: Don’t give up God’s not done.
Final Thought?
Taking heart isn’t about having it all together. It’s about trusting the One who does.
So next time you hear that phrase?
Don’t roll your eyes. Don’t brush it off like some Christian cliché.
Let it settle in. Let it wreck you a little. Let it remind you that hope still lives here even in your waiting, your weeping, your wondering.
